purlieu
/'pə:lju:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An outer adjacent area of any place: A "purlieu" is a defined area on the outskirts or border of a main place, such as a town, forest, or estate. It often implies a surrounding district or environs.
- A frequently visited haunt or resort: It can also refer to a place one frequents or a customary haunt.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The old cottage stood in the purlieu of the ancient forest.
- He knew every street in the purlieus of the old city.
- The library was his favorite purlieu for quiet study.
Advanced Usage
"Purlieus of power": The outer circles or less central areas associated with a center of authority.
- As a junior reporter, she worked in the purlieus of political power, rarely meeting the ministers themselves.
Historical/Legal Context: Originally, in English law, a "purlieu" was a tract of land on the border of a royal forest, once part of the forest but later disafforested and subject to forest laws.
- The dispute concerned hunting rights in the purlieus of the old royal forest.
Variants and Related Words
Purlieus (plural noun): The more common form, meaning the outskirts or surrounding areas.
- They explored the purlieus of the metropolis.
Environs (noun): The surrounding area or district, often used interchangeably with "purlieus" in modern usage.
- Periphery (noun): The outer limits or edge of an area.
Synonyms
- Outskirts: The outer parts of a town or city.
- Vicinity: The area near or surrounding a particular place.
- Precincts: The area within the boundaries of a place or building (often plural).
- Haunt: A place frequented by a person or group.
Antonyms
- Center: The middle point or main area.
- Heart: The central or most important part.
- Core: The central or most essential part.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "In the purlieus of": In the outer areas or environs of a place.
- The artist found inspiration in the purlieus of the industrial town.
Noun
- an outer adjacent area of any place